Where Does Final Cut Pro Store Libraries?
Final Cut Pro creates its first library and every automatic backup in your Movies folder, with Motion content alongside.
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Final Cut Pro organizes work into .fcpbundle library files that can hold media inside themselves or merely reference files elsewhere. The first launch drops one in Movies, and new libraries default there too unless you choose otherwise.
Backups of the library database land in Movies as well, separate from any Time Machine coverage. Custom Motion titles and effects live in a Motion Templates folder in the same place. Losing Movies without a backup therefore costs the edit, its history, and the custom effects at once.
Where Final Cut Pro stores this, by platform
~/Movies
Libraries are the .fcpbundle files. Backups sit in Final Cut Backups and custom Motion content in Motion Templates, both under Movies.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move a library to an external drive?
Quit Final Cut Pro, move the .fcpbundle in Finder, then double click it at the new location. The app remembers the new spot as long as external media stays reachable at the same paths.
Where do I change where media and cache go?
Select the library, open the Library Properties inspector, and click Modify Settings. Media, Motion content, cache, and backups each get their own location there.
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